Apples to apples

It’s that time of year again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (As you can tell, I am VERY excited.) It’s apple picking time! Picking this delicious fruit is something I look forward to all year. Mostly because apples are then turned into apple pie, apple crisp, and of course, apple cider donuts. And who doesn’t love a hot apple cider donut on a fall day?

But the question is, where is the best place to pick? In August, there was a report stating that a ”fickle spring will mean few or no pick-your-own apples in the Capital Region this year.” Yet after going this past weekend and seeing an abundance of not only apples, but people going to pick, I don’t think that this past “fickle” spring has done much harm to the apple industry!

My favorite apple picking place is always Bowman Orchards. They have SO many trees to pick from along with a pumpkin patch and strawberries! Obviously the smells coming from their bakery/store lure you in immediately and make you want to buy everything in sight. They have also added the Donut Shack which is a little “shack” that you can go to if you are just getting donuts so you don’t have to wait in a long line in the bakery. And of course they have pony rides, a petting zoo, and more for little kids. They even have an option where you can shop online!! So basically it’s fun for all ages!

Me and my pumpkin! Photo taken at Bowman Orchards by Sarah Sroczynski

There are always people who disagree with me and say that Fo’Castle Farm is the best around. Great apples, great donuts and great pies. I actually have never picked apples at Fo’Castle but I have had their donuts and pies and they are absolutely delicious.

Needless to say, there are great places to pick for picking. Indian Ladder Farms, Lindsey’s Idyllwood Orchard, and Altomant Orchards are just naming a few. Regardless of where you go to fulfill your apple picking needs, this fun pastime is a must for families and friends!! And like I said before, who doesn’t like a hot apple cider donut on a fall day?